Criminal Justice News

Sunday, May 06, 2012

Vermont Man Charged for Vandalism and Destruction at Federal Court of Appeals

One
of May Day Rioters Who Broke Windows

A Vermont resident was charged in U.S.
District Court in Seattle today with destruction of government property for the
May Day assault on the Nakamura Federal Courthouse in downtown Seattle. CODY R.
INGRAM, 23, is allegedly one of at least two men captured on video using sticks
to break the glass in windows and doors at the historic building. INGRAM was
arrested a short time later by Seattle Police.

“These acts were potentially dangerous
acts of vandalism, not protected free speech. These crimes were not envisioned
by May Day march organizers,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. “We will do
everything we can to identify and prosecute those who sought to turn peaceful
protests into violent encounters in downtown Seattle.”

According to the criminal complaint
filed against INGRAM, he traveled to Seattle for the May Day demonstrations.
Police officers who viewed video of the vandalism on the 6th Avenue side of the
Nakamura Courthouse recognized INGRAM as one of the people who ran up to the
door with a thick dowel and hammered on the glass. Shortly after the vandalism,
INGRAM was spotted by police carrying the thick stick up 6th Avenue. When
confronted by police, INGRAM initially refused to drop the stick. INGRAM
continued to resist as he was being handcuffed by police.

Destruction of government property is a
misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

The charge contained in the complaint is
only an allegation. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is
proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the
Seattle Police Department and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by
Assistant United States Attorney Mike Dion.